What kind of good works?

June 23, 2025

Maria Good works, John 6, Spiritual Growth, Titus 2 , , , 2 Comments

[Jesus] gave himself for us . . . to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.

Titus 2:14 ESV

My colleague who volunteers with me on Tuesday mornings overflows with love, desiring “to do good works.” Her large and soft heart embraces those unacquainted with Jesus’ good news. But her husband doesn’t yet share this passionate zeal. She mourns this reality. Seeing other couples aligned and serving God together pains her.

Paul wrote to Titus about  these “good works” prepared by God for us to do. But just what did he have in mind? Looking to the Gospel of John, we read:

What must we do, to be doing the works of God? . . . This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent. John 6:28–29 ESV

My friend who is drawn to helping others would likely respond, “I already DO believe in Him!” True, but the Greek word for believe means to trust, to “en-trust all things to Jesus as Lord.” What Jesus is calling for is a handing over of all that concerns us. For my friend, this includes her husband’s spiritual journey. 

It could be, and this is just a conjecture, that until she actually believes that Jesus has got this, the situation might not change. Jesus might just think it best FIRST to grow HER unequivocal confidence in Him. And then grow her husband.

How God helps us in our marriages

June 16, 2025

Maria Colossians, Holy Spirit, Malachi 2, Marriage , , Leave a comment

Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless to the wife of your youth.

 Malachi 2:15 ESV

I never noticed this before until our Sunday School teacher read from the Malachi the other week.  The prophet records God’s reminder to the Hebrews that when He instituted marriage for all of creation, each married couple received some of His Spirit as a gift. 

If couples throughout all time have been endowed with divine presence in the form of some of His spirit, think how much more help we have, as Christians!

For example, when Mike and I were married, we were faithful church attenders, but not yet Christians.  Although we thought we were,. Afterall, we believed in God, we acknowledged that Jesus was the Savior and we had been baptized. Those around us in our denomination at the time would have said that was enough ‘to qualify’.   But once we saw our sin and turned from it for the first time, understanding its seriousness, we gratefully grasped Jesus’ offer of salvation. With awe.

Now, with the Holy Spirit permanently abiding in us, we have His permanent help for our marriage. As Paul writes to the Colossians, Christ in me, the assurance of Glory.   Jesus through His Spirit is never going to depart from Mike nor from me. That makes a significant difference in marriage. 

Yes, Satan and his foul spirits are set on destroying all marriage, but we needn’t worry. We just need to recall God’s good gift to help us strengthen our union with each other. 

I’m going to start praying for married Christian family and friends specifically for them to remember that they have the greatest resource to help them in their conflicts and suffering. They and we are not alone in this life. 

And for couples for whom God’s plan includes children, Malachi affirms God’s commitment to help them raise godly sons and daughters.  If God is FOR us in our marriages and families, then we have nothing to fear. 

As close as your next breath

June 2, 2025

Maria Eternal Life, Holy Spirit, John 20, Life, Luke 11 , , Leave a comment

Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” John 20: 21-22 ESV

I’m always thinking of and searching for a way to open a discussion about Jesus.  Each Tuesday, I have the opportunity to talk about Him with the clients I serve at our local Christian pregnancy center here in Huntsville. A lot of the gals I meet think that being a Christian is only about going to church. So, I try to find an approach that bypasses the church question. 

Reading in John what Jesus gave the disciples after His resurrection, I thought of a more pointed entry into a conversation about the Gospel. Maybe I could ask, “Do you have the Holy Spirit living in you permanently?” Of course, I’d have to explain what that meant.  But maybe they would be more curious than otherwise. 

God’s breath is something I think about every morning when I sit down with my Bible. I tell Him out loud that I know He as God is sovereign over every single thing that exists. Likewise, I acknowledge that He provides each of my breaths. He has my life in His hands. 

At night when I climb into bed, I think about each of those  breaths as I follow a series of three or four deep inhales, hold and slow exhales. As near as they are to me, being in my mouth, also think of God’s Spirit. I press my arms next to my body and say, “Thank You, Jesus, that Your Spirit is in me.  I have all that I need.  You will never leave me. You move with me continuously wherever I go. I am never alone or without resources.  Truly, I lack nothing.”

This morning, I saw some good news in Luke 11 that I might be able to share with one of my Tuesday clients.  Jesus, talking to His followers concludes an exhortation to keep praying and never give up: “So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.” Luke 11:13 NLT

God’s granting of each breath and His Spirit are interconnected.  Receiving these good gifts is just a matter of asking and believing, for declares that He will honor that request.

I can let go of unfilled desires

May 26, 2025

Maria Desire, God's gifts, Luke 6, Patience , , , 1 Comment

Blessed are you who hunger now, for you will be satisfied.  Luke 6:21 NIV

There are some ‘hungers’ or desires that I have that might never be fulfilled or satisfied. I feel wistful at times. As I age, fewer days await me before either Jesus returns or I go to join Him. 

This morning, when I paused over Luke’s account and considered Jesus’ words, His promise encouraged my heart and brought some relief to my heart. I don’t have to feel sad that I probably won’t get to visit the many overseas places that ‘call to me’.  There are also many friends whom I long to be with. We’ve moved a fair number of times throughout our marriage. Getting to make new friends has brought joy, but saying goodbye to old friends leaves an ache.  Realistically I know there is only so much time in this life. 

Finally, I always wanted to live near our grandchildren, so we could be involved in their lives and get to enjoy them more.  And over the years of our marriage, I have prayed for Mike’s dreams and desires to realize, but a fair number have not. Yes, I bow to God’s good sovereign plans, but those unfulfilled desires still hurt.

But God has the final word.  He has announced that one day I will be satisfied. Not just partially, but completely. The Greek indicates meanings such as ‘stuffed, filled, sated.’ I picture that wonderful feeling when every morsel of my favorite meal has left me wanting not another bite. That’s the kind of satisfaction our God promises.

So for now in my late 60s, I can practice patience without anxiety, letting go of earthly disappointments, knowing for sure as they say, “The best is yet to come.”

Does God protect us from ‘all evil’?

May 19, 2025

Maria Evil, Fear, Psalm 121, Soul Care , , , Leave a comment

The LORD will guard you from all evil; He will preserve your soul. Psalm 121:7  Berean Standard Bible 

In church this morning, Psalm 121 was the appointed Old Testament reading to add some context to the sermon from John 17. I had sat down before the service feeling distracted. But listening to Pastor Jim read verse seven calmed the fluttering fear fragments encircling me. Unable to point to anything specific, I just felt preoccupied with the usual anxieties accompanying this teetering world.  When I had time after lunch, I looked up this verse, examining a couple of words.  Jim read from the ESV which translates nephesh as life.  

God declares He will guard me from all evil. But I know that He does not stop ‘early’ deaths all the time. Babies die in the womb and in childhood. Disease, war and accidents claim the lives of many believers before anyone would expect them to die.  So where is the comfort of knowing that the Lord protects me and my loved ones from all evil?  

The word used, nephesh, can also indicate the soul. What is absolutely true is that all the time God is protecting the souls of His elect. My problem is in undervaluing my soul. Maybe I am more like the rich man in the parable, the one who felt secure due to the growth of ‘Big Barn Investments’.  Jesus draws attention to what this Hebrew has overlooked, his soul. No manner of wealth will protect his soul.  Only God can. 

My ‘barn’ may not be one filled with material wealth, but I know I can fall into following and idolizing ideal health practices. Help me, Father, to appreciate more each day how You keep my soul.

God’s offer and gift of repentance never ends

May 12, 2025

Maria Joel 2, Praise, Repentance, Trusting God , , , , , , Leave a comment

Behold, I am going to send you grain, new wine, and oil. . . Do not fear, land; shout for joy and rejoice, For the LORD has done great things. Joel 2:19, 21 NASB

In this encouraging passage, the Lord announces His plan to restore Judah after having punished them for their rebellion. They have been ground down to nothing, but God is about to bless them with yet another chance to turn around.

Looking at the verbs, I see the importance of trust.  The King of the Universe has brought measured suffering on His wayward people. For centuries they have mocked His righteousness and holiness. All along, He has prophets to call them to repentance, but they have ignored God’s spokesmen. Well-deserved consequences have brought to their knees and they now look to and believe Almighty God.

What good news to read that the Lord doesn’t give up on His people.  Out of love, He offers a fresh opportunity: “Even now,” declares the LORD, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” Joel 2:12 NIV

Just as the Lord was faithful to carry out His warnings, so too will He fulfill those kind pledges of mercy. With renewed humility and trust, Judah can respond to God’s spoken plans of healing and abundance with the same joy as if the restoration were as good as done. That’s called faith, or trusting what God says.  I honor God when I don’t wait for visible evidence, when I take Him at His word because I trust Him. 

I see a personal call on my life  always to be looking for the many praise-worthy attributes and actions of God. Given His infinite and eternal character and hundreds of specific promises, I will never run out of material to fuel my praises.  Just maybe motivation.  But then I can ask Jesus to forgive me and enable me to continue. 

Do you love Jesus?

May 3, 2025

Maria Hope, Loving God, Romans 8, Saving Faith , , Leave a comment

We were given this hope when we were saved. (If we already have something, we don’t need to hope for it. But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently.) Romans 8:24-25 NLT

I’ve been participating in a long-term study of the Book of Revelation which we’re about to finish. This morning, the accompanying notes had this stunning statement. “Everyone who loves Jesus will be with Him physically in the restored/renovated world” (translated from the Spanish) 

Recognizing that coming reality caused me to turn it around to form a question I could ask people I encounter. “Do you love Jesus?” If they respond in the affirmative, I could follow up with, “If so, how do people around you know that you do love Him?” 

When I’m serving at our local pregnancy center, I often ask the Hispanic clients I serve what their relationship with Jesus is like. They usually respond with something about church and their infrequent attendance.  While church is good, that is not what I want to talk about. This approach, “Do you love Jesus?” goes right to the heart of the issue.

Reading this morning’s verses from Paul’s letter to the Romans, I thought, “If I am waiting patiently for something that I don’t yet have, then I must really believe it is coming!” That means that I must believe in the reality of Jesus’ return for me to wait for it with confident patience. In these turbulent times, a returning King is what I am holding on to.

Which is better to give or to receive?

April 24, 2025

Maria Acts 20, Ephesians 3, Giving, Knowing Jesus , , Leave a comment

I pray….(that you) know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. Ephesians 3:16, 19 ESV

I just finished a book about how the blood covenant grounds or acts as the foundation for God’s love for us. As Paul wrote, we are not just to learn about Christ through studying His word, but we are meant to experience His love.

There’s a knowing facts and data about someone and a knowing that is gained through doing life with that someone. For instance, I know far more than just biographical facts about my husband, for I am the recipient of his love. Daily, he demonstrates how much he cherishes me.  He studies me to know how best to provide, to show his care, to anticipate my needs and desires. As a result, I have come to trust him. 

What if I were never to let Mike do anything for me? What if I rejected his help, thinking he’ll love me more if I don’t take from him, don’t count on him to help me?

For one, I’d be a fool. More importantly, he would feel hurt. He would rightly conclude that I don’t trust him.

It’s the same with Jesus. The way to really know Jesus is not through earning or meriting His love, but receiving it as ‘gift’.  The amazing news is that He is an eager ‘Giver’.

Yes, according to Luke’s account in Acts, Jesus did teach at one point, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 ESV But, I think there is far more scriptural evidence to support the learned skill of receiving. A joyful recipient completes the joy of the Giver. 

Judas’ last chance

April 14, 2025

Maria Grace, John 13, Love, Passover , , , Leave a comment

Then, dipping the piece of bread, he gave it to Judas, the son of Simon Iscariot. John 13:26 NIV

My Bible’s study notes pointed out all the typical ways a host for the  Passover would honor his guests. One in particular involved personally offering a morsel of bread or meat dipped in a juice of boiled fruit and wine. This savory and fragrant liquid represented the sweet riches of the promised land.

With that picture in mind, I reread the text to see who acted as host. Because this supper took place in someone else’s house, I had assumed the owner was the host. Looking at Jesus as the host changes everything. 

I’m stunned at our Lord’s gesture of respect toward Judas, knowing that this man would soon betray him.  Our Master had just finished intentionally but humbly washing and wiping each of the twelve disciples’ dirty feet. If that were not enough of a shocking display of grace, Jesus offers Judas one last blessing meant to break his cold and greedy heart. It’s this disciple’s last chance to recognize the evil he is about to do and back away.

But Judas ignores the significance of his teacher’s gesture of love. So Jesus dismisses him: As soon as Judas took the bread, Satan entered into him. So, Jesus told him, “What you are about to do, do quickly.” (verse 27, NIV)

May I never be unresponsive or blinded to the Father’s love because of self-serving plans. Instead keep my heart soft and repentant, thankful for Your unmerited love.

Pray as David teaches us

April 9, 2025

Maria God's Glory, God's name, Prayer, Psalm 20 , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

In times of trouble, may the LORD answer your cry. May the name of the God of Jacob keep you safe from all harm. May he grant your heart’s desires and make all your plans succeed. May we shout for joy when we hear of your victory and raise a victory banner in the name of our God. May the LORD answer all your prayers. Psalm 20: 1, 4-5 NLT

We read this in church last Sunday.  Later that afternoon, I read Psalm 20. What a powerful encouragement to any believer. This psalm also offers me a model for when I petition the Father on behalf of all our leaders, both within the Church and in society.

Using this prayer song, the people of Israel make several requests to God on behalf of their beloved king, David. The people are pleading for what is best for the public good.  David, the warrior king who loves God, wrote this psalm for his people. With it, he actually instructs the people to pray for him in ways that glorify God.

All of a sudden my thoughts flitted forward in time to the Bathsheba and Uriah tragedy.  With that chapter of David’s life in mind, I don’t believe David is unaware of his potential to sin. Certainly he doesn’t want the people to ask God to grant every desire that he might entertain.  But what they are to ask for, is that their king would do all in the name of God, to include defeating their common enemy.         

I, too, want and pray to the Father for Him to defeat His and our enemy, Satan, and all whom he manipulates. For sure,  an enemy of the Lord is my enemy. When I pray for God to be victorious, when I think about our leaders who shepherd the Church and ask for their protection, I want King Jesus to deliver us and the Kingdom from evil. It’s what I most desire.

So, Father, grant this deep desire of mine and alert me to when I crave or long for something that doesn’t glorify You. Without Your protection from Satan’s temptations, I can easily fall into doing something evil, without much thought.

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